Since Stranger Things first hit our screens, the show’s writers have been dropping subtle clues and hidden messages. However, one cryptic post from 2019 is still driving fans wild with speculations.

Duffer Brothers originally created Stranger Things as a limited one-season story. However after the show became a massive success, Netflix ordered additional seasons. The unexpected success gave the writers room to expand the universe.

They could now dive deeper into the origins of the Upside Down, develop the characters’ backstories and craft a larger narrative arc. In 2022, it was officially announced that season 5 will be the final chapter of the series.

The Cryptic Post That Started It All

Back in 2019, Stranger Things writers shared a puzzling post on X (formerly Twitter), hinting that it would appear in future seasons. The post featured an unfinished letter that read:

anyway I think you’ll—— sorry I couldn’t get it done—— but you mean so—— and it’s been—— hope this is——— last until—— love——

anyway I think you’ll—— sorry I couldn’t get it done—— but you mean so—— and it’s been—— hope this is——— last until—— love—— pic.twitter.com/DjRNXbrlKC

— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) October 17, 2019

Below the letter was the date November 6, 1983, the same day when Will Byers went missing in Hawkins.

The letter did not show up in Season 4, which has led fans to believe that it will finally appear in the final season. The letter seems deeply emotional, but who wrote it? And who was it meant for?

Could This Be Mike’s Letter to Will?

Naturally, Stranger Things fandom has no shortage of theories. Many believe this could be a heartfelt letter from Mike to Will. One fan even reconstructed the message like this:

Anyway I think you’ll like it, sorry I couldn’t get it done in time. But you mean so much to me and it’s been fun making it for you. Hope this is enough to last till spring. love Mike.

Another popular interpretation suggests that it is about Castle Byers, with Mike possibly trying to rebuild for Will.

anyway, i think you’ll like that i tried to fix up castle byers, i’m sorry i couldn’t get it done. but you mean so much to me, and it’s been fun. i hope this is okay. i worked on it everyday until (the?) last possible second. love mike.

The Duffer Brothers have clarified that it is not about Hopper or a couple. Mike and Will aren’t officially a couple, though their emotional connection has been at the center of discussions, especially among the Byler fandom.

Is It Jonathan’s Mixtape Message?

Some fans believe that letter might be from Jonathan to Will, perhaps making a mixtape of his favorite songs before he left for college. One user has suggested his version of it.

What do you think the letter means? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.